Major Events Minister Jann Stuckey said the swimming meet is one of the world’s most prestigious, providing a great opportunity to showcase the state to a national and international audience.

“Swimming is a key Commonwealth Games Sport and securing a major international event in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is an important coup for Queensland,” Ms Stuckey said.

“It has been 25 years since the Pan Pacifics were staged in Queensland. The Championships will emphasise our expertise in hosting world class events.

The Pan Pacific Championships will be held in the state’s south east and Ms Stuckey said it would result in a significant economic boost.

“This event is expected to deliver at least $2 million dollars into the state’s economy, but more importantly, it will lift the tourism profile of the state in overseas markets,” she said.

“More than 300 of the world’s best swimmers from the USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil, New Zealand and Australia will compete for a coveted gold medal.

“In the past, athletes including Ian Thorpe, Susie O’Neill, Michael Phelps and Kosuke Kitajima have used the event to establish themselves on the world sporting stage.

“Securing the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships is a shining example of the Newman LNP Government’s commitment to establish the state as Australia’s number one event and sporting destination.

“Tourism is a key part of the four pillar economy we are focused on growing. Events like this are a boost to the sector and deliver job opportunities across Queensland.”

Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey MP has slammed the previous Government for lying to residents about the Mudgeeraba to Tugun powerlines project that saw months of unnecessary heartache.

Following a detailed review Energex has now cancelled the Mudgeeraba to Tugun 110kv Powerline Project confirming that electricity demand on the southern Gold Coast can be sufficiently serviced from the existing network until beyond 2020.

“Whilst welcome news for the hundreds of residents that would have been affected by this upgrade the cancellation of the project doesn’t erase the community heartache that residents suffered,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The Bligh Government imposed countless months of unnecessary anxiety and stress on residents and virtually forced some residents out of their house.

“The Labor Government lied in claiming the project needed to be delivered soon as it now appears those timelines were based solely on an attempt to meet the needs of the Tugun Desalination plant, a fact they denied vehemently.

A member of the Community Reference Group and Stop the Overhead Powerlines action group, Mr Norman Jefferson, said that whilst the result was pleasing it is extremely disappointing that so much heartache was caused when all the issues cited now were brought up in their first meeting and all the stress could have been avoided.

“I will continue to fight for our community to ensure that the future construction of projects has the least possible impact on established communities taking into account social costs and community impacts along with financial costs.
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Premier Campbell Newman and Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey have announced the State Government’s nominations for new members of the 2018 Commonwealth Games board.

The announcement follows a Cabinet decision yesterday to recommend to Her Excellency Governor Penelope Wensley that Nigel Chamier OAM (Chairman), Catherine Tanna, Stephen Conry and Dennis Chant be appointed for a three year term.

“I have every confidence that this eight member board will have the depth of experience and fiscal discipline to ensure this billion dollar landmark event is delivered on time, and importantly on budget,” said the Premier.

“My Government has an obligation to select the best team possible to deliver a world class games in 2018.

“I will be making it clear to the new board that they are charged with the successful delivery of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on time and on budget.”

The Commonwealth Games Host City contract requires the organising committee to be constituted by 11 May 2012.

Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey said the clock was ticking and there was a lot of work to be done.

“These highly qualified business leaders have been chosen for their ability to quickly get on with the major infrastructure planning and delivery of this billion dollar international event.

“This is an immense project that that will transform the Gold Coast and will boost Queensland’s economy and create tens of thousands of jobs.

“The games will bring lasting change and benefits to the Gold Coast – just as an earlier Commonwealth Games and Expo 88 had a huge social and economic impact on Brisbane,” Ms Stuckey said.

The appointments need to go through Executive Council and will be finalised subject to some further administration.

 The board includes:

Nigel Chamier OAM (Chairman)

Nigel Chamier is Executive Chairman of NAC Investments Pty Ltd. He has extensive experience in the financial, property and development sectors. Over the past 40 years Mr

Chamier has helped to shape some of Queensland’s biggest projects including the $215 million dollar restoration of City Hall, the Central Plaza project, the Riverside Centre, South Bank and the redevelopment of the Ipswich Central Business District. Mr Chamier is also the Honorary Consul for Sweden and was awarded the Polar Star in 2008.

Catherine Tanna

Catherine Tanna is the Chairman of BG Australia, the company responsible for Australia’s biggest coal-seam gas project. Ms Tanna brings a strong business sense to the table, having spent years working out of The Hague while managing the gas interests of energy giant Shell. Ms Tanna was also Director of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Stephen Conry

Stephen Conry is the Australian CEO and International Director of Jones Lang LaSalles, the largest commercial property services firm in the nation. Over the past 30 years Mr Conry has specialised in development feasibility, marketing, valuation and investment consultancy. He is also the Vice President of the Brisbane Club and a Director of the Gregory Terrace Foundation.

Dennis Chant

Dennis Chant is the Managing Director of Queensland Airports Limited. As Director of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Company, Mr Chant played a pivotal role in helping Queensland to secure the event. Mr Chant has extensive experience in strategic planning, aviation, tourism, project management and corporate governance. He is a board member at Events Queensland Gold Coast and also sits on the Gold Coast City Council Business Advisory board.

Salvatore (Sam) Coffa

Sam Coffa has been the President of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association since 1998. He is also the Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation.

Perry Crosswhite AM

Perry Crosswhite is the CEO of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association. He represented Australia in Basketball at four Olympics.

Mike Victor

Mike Victor is the President of the Queensland division of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association. He represented Queensland in the sport of cycling.

Glynis Nunn-Cearns

Queenslander Glynis Nunn-Cearns is the Executive Director of the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association. She is also the only Australian to have won an Olympic multi-discipline athletics event.

[ENDS]

Jann with crew members Sarah Handley and Leah Billing

9th May 2012

Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey MP, is getting behind the Currumbin Under-23 women’s surfboat crew selected to represent Currumbin and Australia in the Queen’s Jubilee pageant.

On Sunday 3rd June 2012, over one thousand boats will muster on the River Thames in preparation for Her Majesty The Queen to take part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate the Currumbin Viragos crew on being selected to participate in this historic event,” Ms Stuckey said.

“As the Member for Currumbin I am delighted to be able to offer my support and donate funds to the crew to help cover the costs involved with participating in this exciting opportunity.

“The members of the crew – Leah Billing, Rachel Kilmartin, Sarah Handley and Caitlin McConnel – should be soundly congratulated for their efforts and extremely proud of the opportunity to represent their community and country at this world class event.

Crew member Caitlin McConnel said rowing in the Queens Jubilee will be an incredible opportunity.

“We are really looking forward to flying the flag not only for Currumbin and Surf Lifesaving Australia, but for all Australians who currently represent Australia internationally in their chosen professional fields,” Ms McConnel said.

“The hardworking crew has gained selection after only one season of rowing together. The girls train on the Brisbane River during the week and volunteer their time for the Currumbin Surf Rescue team at the Currumbin Beach on weekends,” Ms Stuckey said.

“They are to be acknowledged and thanked for the important role they play in our community.

“I wish the girls every success in this pageant and trust they will do themselves, their families and their country proud.

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Brisbane is set to become a winter culinary capital following the Queensland Government’s announcement today that the riverside city will host a brand new food festival – Delectable – from 16-29 July.

Celebrating Queensland produce, farmers and chefs, ‘Delectable’ will bring to life key outdoor spaces across Brisbane through an exciting program of music, food and entertainment.

An initiative of the Queensland Government through Events Queensland, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Jann Stuckey said the event would promote Queensland as the major food state in the nation, and reinforce Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s leading event and tourist destination and the most inviting capital to visit in the winter months.

“This event is an example of the government’s commitment to both agriculture and tourism – bringing together two of the four pillars we’ve identified as being the key drivers of a re-energised Queensland economy,” Ms Stuckey said.

“‘Delectable’ provides a unique platform for local Queensland farmers and producers to showcase their talent, products and businesses alongside local, national and international chefs.

“Exciting new events like ‘Delectable’ are part of our plan to make Queensland Australia’s number one tourist destination – and will put Brisbane on the national and international culinary map.”

Launching Delectable on 16 July will be the delicious. Produce Awards 2012 – to be presented in Queensland for the first time in its seven year history.

delicious. Editor in Chief Trudi Jenkins said: “We are really pleased to be hosting the delicious. Produce Awards in Queensland for the first time and to support the Delectable festival and local growers and producers in the first harvest after the state’s recent natural disasters.

“The Produce Awards encourage, showcase and reward producers, build awareness of culinary regions and recognise fresh, seasonal food that is produced with integrity and using ecologically sustainable farming methods and production processes.”

ARIA restaurant Owner and Chef, Matt Moran is a judge of the delicious. Produce Awards 2012 and will showcase his expertise and award-winning menu at Delectable.

“We are thrilled to be participating in Delectable. It’s great to have an event that is all about fresh local produce happening here in Brisbane,” Mr Moran said.

“At ARIA we are passionate about local, fresh produce and so this event will be great to showcase the great producers of Queensland. We are thrilled to be participating in the event.”

A highlight of the Delectable program will be the Food Bowl event – offering visitors the opportunity to taste and experience menus from some of Brisbane’s most sought after restaurants in one location including Shinichi Maeda of Sake Brisbane, Tank’s Alastair McLeod, Matt Moran of ARIA and David Pugh of Restaurant Two.

Head Chef of Brisbane’s Restaurant Two, David Pugh said: “I feature Queensland’s delicious produce on almost every dish on my menu and the quality is second to none.

“Many of our Queensland producers were devastated by last years’ floods, and Delectable provides a great opportunity to showcase what they have to offer and help get them back on their feet.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk welcomed the announcement and said Delectable Brisbane was sure to be a popular fixture on Brisbane’s event calendar.

“Delectable Brisbane will provide visitors and Brisbane residents alike with the opportunity to indulge in 13 days of home-grown food, music, interactive gardens, educational programs and chef demonstrations,” Mr Quirk said.

“I want Brisbane to be Australia’s new world city and events like this will help strengthen that reputation, by showcasing our excellent local restaurants, producers and chefs.”

Delectable will be held from Monday 16 to Sunday 29 July 2012 in Brisbane.

Visit www.delectableqld.com.au for more information.

Additional information:

Delectable will boast a three part program comprising of the Grow Series, Food Series and Sounds Series.

A star attraction of Delectable, the Food Series, will showcase local and national chefs including across a wide program of events from cooking demonstrations to talks on the latest food trends.

The Grow Series will transform the Southbank Cultural Forecourt into an urban garden, featuring large-scale crop displays converting Southbank into the Food Bowl of a Nation Boulevard. At night The Wheel of Brisbane and Queensland Performing Arts Centre will come alive through a spectacular lighting and projections display.

The Sound Series will feature a custom-built stage at South Bank, hosting a multi-genre selection of performances to entertain and excite over nine days of musical talent. Headline acts Marina Prior, David Hobson and The Queensland Symphony Orchestra will close the event at the Delectable Sounds @ Riverstage on Sunday 29 July.

Regional Flavours will join the Delectable event program through a partnership between South Bank Corporation and Events Queensland. The popular food and wine event will treat visitors to a range of stall holders boasting demonstrations and tastings across the themes of sustainability, regional tastes and food fusion.

The Newman LNP Government is delivering on another election promise with arrangements being finalised for Queensland’s landmark tourism forum- ‘DestinationQ’- to be held at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns on June 25 and 26.

Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said more than 300 tourism businesses and organisations from across the State will gather in Far North Queensland for the inaugural forum.

“This is Queensland’s first major forum since the 1980’s and will shape the future of the state’s crucial tourism sector,” Ms Stuckey said.

“By working together, the Government, industry leaders and operators can put Queensland front of mind as Australia’s number one tourism destination.

“This conference is all about restoring confidence and opportunity in the industry.

“The LNP government’s target is to double visitor expenditure by 2020; that will mean an extra $15 billion flowing into the Queensland economy.

“DestinationQ will be a working conference, which will deliver a whole-of-government approach to tourism. Premier Campbell Newman will give the key note address, leading a range of Ministers across related portfolios who will also be in attendance.”

“Tourism is one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy, generating jobs right across the state and in particular, in regional areas like FNQ.

“Tourism accounts for 10 per cent of Queensland’s total employment, while almost 30 per cent of all businesses have some link to the industry.

“Tourism is a bigger employer than the resources sector and will play a pivotal role in helping the Government reduce the unemployment rate to 4 per cent in six years.

“The Campbell Newman team is committed to working closely with industry to ensure Queensland claims its crown as one of the premier tourist destinations in the world.

“Our Government is also putting in place its Attracting Aviation Investment Fund to encourage and develop international connections.

“DestinationQ is just the start of what will be an exciting journey to revitalise and reinvigorate Queensland’s tourism industry.”

Registration details will be released shortly.

 Ends

Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey MP has presented a new Queensland flag to the Veterans’ Support Centre of the Palm Beach Currumbin branch.

“I am pleased to have presented the Veterans’ Support Centre with a Queensland Flag that they can display and use proudly in their Centre,” Ms Stuckey said.  

“I thank the VSC for their tireless efforts and their noteworthy contribution to our community.

“The Centre provides free professional and personal advice for veterans, serving members, ex-members of the defence force and their dependents.

Mr Joe Gates, the Chairman of the VSC, said that most veterans are unaware of what they are entitled to and their Centre is committed to spreading the word and providing assistance for them.

“We incorporate social programs and events which support a healthy lifestyle and ensure that Veterans receive the pensions and payouts they are entitled to,” Mr Gates said.

“Our welfare volunteers are ready to assist our community at home, in hospital, or residential care with all matters of concern to them as well as programs to prevent social isolation and provide support to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s our intention to include the wider community in the great legacy of ANZAC so that they can become more involved in commemorating and supporting our Diggers efforts past and present.

Ms Stuckey said the work of this organisation benefits the lives of veterans and their dependants in many ways.

“Organisations such as the VSC are important to our community and we must do all we can to support them and show our deep appreciation for their dedicated efforts.

Ends

Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey MP, has praised local schools for their enthusiastic support of the 2012 ANZAC Day Essay Competition.

“The quality of the essays this year was of extremely high standard and all students who entered should be commended for their efforts,” said Ms Stuckey.

Essays by Elanora Primary School students Sienna Mijares and Olivia Jones were chosen by RSL judges for their tremendous efforts.

“I would like to personally thank all entrants for their thoughtful essays that captured the ANZAC spirit, and impressed the RSL judges.

“In keeping with tradition the winners of the competition recited their essays at dedicated RSL ANZAC Day ceremonies held in Currumbin.

“Sienna delivered her essay beautifully at the Dawn Service at Elephant Rock and Olivia’s presentation at the RSL was greatly appreciated by all who attended.

“I am so pleased with the number of students from our local schools who took part in the competition this year and proved the ANZAC spirit is alive and kicking in Currumbin.

Ends

State Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey MP says the LNP have acted swiftly to implement initiatives to ease cost of living pressure for Queenslanders.

“The Newman Government has immediately begun implementing the 100 day plan outlined before the state election to get Queensland back on track and address high  costs that are affecting all Queenslanders,” Ms Stuckey said 

“Like so many others across Queensland, residents of Currumbin are suffering after twenty years of Labor neglect in this great state and their back pockets are really hurting.

“The LNP recognise the urgent need to relieve some of these pressures on families and businesses through a number of actions.

“Cabinet has resolved to reduce the cost of water for families in South East Queensland and substantially lighten costs for all households.

“Further, family car registration will be frozen for the next three years and public transport relief will also be provided for frequent travellers.

“The decision to remove Labor’s waste levy will also see significant savings for businesses and families alike.

“Committing to freeze the standard electricity tariff (tariff 11) will save around $120 a year and provide real relief to Queensland households.

“By growing a four pillar economy Queenslanders will be better placed in the future and able to achieve key priorities including a reduction in unemployment to 4% within 6 years.

“The Newman Government has hit the ground running, wasting no time in demonstrating exactly how serious we are about easing everyday cost of living pressures for Queenslanders.

“We have ticked off every item on our 30 day plan and we have no intention of slowing down.

Ends

“The decision by the Newman Government to immediately begin the process of reducing real estate red tape is welcome news for home-buyers and businesses in the Currumbin electorate,” Ms Stuckey said.

“As outlined in Premier Newman’s 100 day Plan for Queensland, mandatory Sustainability Declaration forms introduced by the Labor Government in 2010 will be scrapped.

“These forms were undeniably onerous on the property industry and home owners alike. The change of Government delivered by Queenslanders will finally bring them some real relief in a struggling market.

Neil Shorrock, the Co Licensee at LJ Hooker Palm Beach says the move to scrap sustainability declarations will ease some of the burden of unnecessary red tape.

“The form was hastily done and ill-conceived and people faced great difficultly in answering it.  In my view its withdrawal will benefit the industry and simplify the paperwork,” Mr Shorrock said.

Ms Stuckey said this announcement by the Premier shows the LNP Government is serious about meeting an election pledge to cut red tape for small business by twenty per cent over six years.

“Our goal is to significantly reduce government red tape and regulation, that is draining $7 billion out of our business community each year, and this is a positive step towards achieving that target,” Ms Stuckey said.

“In addition, the Newman Government will reinstate the principal place of residence stamp duty concession from 1 July 2012, an incentive designed to boost property sales in a sluggish market.

“With Queensland now having more than 90,000 pages of regulation we have a long way to go to fix the mistakes of 20 years of Labor governance.

“Initiatives such as these show that the LNP are focussed and committed to getting Queensland back on track.

Ends